Super City
Super City: Melodic and guitar driven, Super City is known for their hooky pop sound that blends heavy rock elements and danceability, all with band choreography that results in killer live performances. This Baltimore band expertly crafts guitar and synth earworms that thrive on the creative tension between bombastic rock and roll and stylized movements. Their structures and melodies leave no room for a dull track. At times soothing and inviting, at times posturing and timeless, Dan Ryan and Greg Wellham vocally guide this pop band into a new, heavy, and beguiling territory that is both memorable and brash with their new full-length LP ‘In The Midnight Room,’ available everywhere on October 20th via SofaBurn Records. Quiet Hollers: Shape-shifting Kentucky indie outfit Quiet Hollers’ music connects with listeners around depression, anxiety, grief, and addiction, nodding to a wide range of influences across the spectra of alt. country, indie rock, punk, and in what they have coined “post americana.” Formed by its songwriter Shadwick Wilde in the early 2010’s, the group has announced work on their fifth LP, Loud Mountains, a painfully self-aware retrospective on a decade of fighting through mental illness and the music industry.All events at Dolphin Tavern are 21+
Ronnie Stone
Ronnie Stone:Ronnie Stone seems to have traveled from both the past and future simultaneously, bringingwith him a unique style of contemporary synth-pop that seamlessly blends nostalgia with thebleeding-edge of modern dance music. The NYC-based producer and multi-instrumentalistwrites and records all of his music, utilizing a massive arsenal of 80’s synthesizers to cook updance-pop gold for the freaks and the loners.His latest album, Ride Again (Feeltrip Records), is the culmination of a decade spent dwellingin the shadows at nightclubs and warehouse parties. Inspired by the solace and epiphanieshe found on the dance floor, he blends New Wave with the groovy and persistentinfectiousness of Techno and House.Ryder Houston:Ryder Houston is a Philadelphia-based filmmaker and musician born and bred just outside of Dallas, Texas. As much as his evocative sound dotes on alternative pop acts Depeche Mode, Garbage, and even Madonna at her most controversial, it also seems to suggest something greater operating on the periphery: a dark, omnipresent melodrama not unlike the crooning music of David Lynch composer Angelo Badalamenti or the baroque sensibilities of Lana Del Rey. Nevertheless, Houston’s spidery vocals continue to weave clichés of lust and rock ‘n’ roll menace anew, adhering himself to a certain groovy allusion to sleazy, opium-den electronica. Plainly stated, it is within this blasphemous little slipstream that Ryder Houston’s unique brand of sonic nostalgia exists.DJ Set by KorineAll events at Dolphin Tavern are 21+
KulfiGirls
KulfiGirls – KulfiGirls are a Philadelphia-based rock band fronted by lead vocalist Abi Natesh who uses the South Indian Saraswati veena to present a novel “carnatic rock” sound, inspired by diverse genres of pop and rock. Their upcoming single “Field of Fireflies” combines classic psychedelic-rock elements with an experimental ensemble of instruments. Larlene – Philly BFF trio, Larlene, curates a dream pop stoner metal float tank for your heart. They hit with a post-punk, fuzz rock wall of sound with cutting harmonies and clearly hurt feelings. Larlene will take you from nasty garage jams to ethereal heartbreak. The Angies – The Angies are a four piece punk rock / noise band from Philadelphia who pair high-intensity performances with experimental sounds. Frontwoman Tara Gilligan combines the abrasive energy of Stooges-era Iggy Pop with the raw, introspective lyricism of Courtney Love and Hole to deliver a truly unforgettable and confrontational live experience. All events at Dolphin Tavern are 21+
Moonshine
Depending on whom you ask, the esoteric effects of lunar cycles can be wide-ranging: good fortune, human fertility, ocean tides, werewolf prevalence and loss of sanity among them. For the like-minded musicians, DJs, dancers and visual artists who make up the Moonshine collective, the planetary satellite above all inspires their eponymous monthly event, driven by an inclusive ethos and a shared love for experimentations in dance culture.Since its founding in 2014, Moonshine has carved out an enviable niche in Montréal’s nightlife milieu by celebrating a wide range of fledgling local talents, championing Afro-futuristic, bass-heavy, electro-funk sounds, and bringing together communities that wouldn’t necessarily cross paths otherwise. As the name indicates, the lunar-based Moonshine recipe has the collective throw an all-night, sensory-soaked party on the Saturday after every full moon in ever-shifting, unpredictable locations across the city, always strictly disclosed via text messages. With fresh cuts supplied by resident DJs Pierre Kwenders, San Farafina, and AKantu, visual installations by Boycott, and a slew of live musicians and performers that have included Kaytranada, Dâm-Funk, Le1f, Venus X, Uproot Andy, Bambii and Branko, the parties have become a staple of the after-hours scene, in Canada and abroad, with appearances in NYC, LA, Paris, Brussels, Milan, Lisboa, London, Barcelona and Santiago just to name a few.“The essence of Moonshine came out of parties we used to throw in our kitchens,” recalls Kwenders. “We felt like we couldn’t go out and find what we had cooked up in that kitchen. It’s one of the reasons we started Moonshine: to share that with more people who felt just like us, and who didn’t have access to such sounds or vibes.” Still going strong four years on, Moonshine has also begun making use of the aesthetic, network and structure it established with the parties to promote affiliated artists, expanding its vision from ephemeral moonlit soirées to an expanding catalog of genre-busting music, art and apparel.Doors 9:30pmAll events at Dolphin Tavern are 21+
Sweet Juice Fundraiser
Mister Right: THE bruno mars of Philadelphia! Mister Right has only been doing drag for a year and a half but is taking this city by storm! He’s got the moves/looks/ and the voice. You can never go wrong with Mister Right. Popcorn Daddy: Popcorn Daddy is a pop-folk duo created by Melina Harris and Shona Carr. With an immense appreciation for harmony, these two artists mix earnest, vulnerable songwriting with tongue in cheek social commentary to develop musical performances that are both deep and whimsical. Through their engaging and catchy tunes, Popcorn Daddy aims to share the chemistry and passion of their friendship – or their ‘poppity-pop’ as they like to call it – with audiences everywhere The Lunar Year: The Lunar Year is a rock and roll band from Philadelphia and Katie Hackett is the psychedelic rock and roll poet of The Lunar Year. Hackett was first drawn to songwriting and poetry as an escape from her fundamentalist childhood. After leaving religion in 2016, she entered into a period of reclusiveness, releasing her first two albums in the indie folk/post rock genres (Herodias, 2017) (katie bird, 2020). The project was reborn in 2022 in its current form: an art rock band exploring queerness, environmentalism and the surreal. The band went on 3 full length tours in 2023 in support of their new single Don’t Kiss Strangers. Sarah Knittel Sarah Knittel is a theater artist, festival co-founder, event producer, and clown. She helped found Free Fringe Philly festival, which creates accessibility to Fringe work in Philadelphia by eliminating costs and ticket prices while supporting the artists. Free Fringe Philly won a coveted arts spot on the Best Of 2021 list from Philly Magazine. Sarah on a stage has been described as “totally engaging” and “the work of a pro, fearlessly engaging the audience from start to finish, until we are all practically co-stars, or at least co-conspirators.” (Broad St Review) Hailed “Philly Actors Who Are Better Than You (at acting)…” (Phindie) The creator of Ben Franklin Sex Party and NIGHTMARE FUEL, a brutal clown show, which won the “Spirit of the Fringe” award in 2019 at Cincinnati Fringe. It was also one of the recipients of 1812’s Jilline Ringle Fund. It garnered four stars in Edinburgh Fringe and was lauded as “a quintessential niche fringe experience” by the Wee Review. She produces a multitude of events throughout Philadelphia including a monthly variety show called HELLRIDE, Mischief Night, and Hellride Freak Mic (the only alt mic in Philly). doll.redacted Although DJ doll.redacted has only been on the scene for a year and a half, he has quickly become one of the go-to house selectors in the Philly underground scene. While he considers disco his first love, his speciality is combining his love for house, techno & pop to create powerful & playful dancefloor moments. When doll.redacted is in control of the dancefloor, you can expect heavy 90s house vocals, cheeky pop edits, disco classics, lush techno and more. He runs a monthly party, Diva Worship, at Dolphin Tavern first Thursdays of the month, which focuses on Femme-Forward dance music. Sug Daniels Sug Daniels is a Delaware born, Philadelphia based, singer-songwriter story-teller, and producer who is using the tools around her to capture the emotions of an era. Daniels’ work is as colorful, vulnerable, and charismatic as her personality. She thoughtfully combines elements of folk, R&B, and soul alternatives to create personal and tender music interlaced with messages of truth and positive change.
LUNACY
BLOODSTREAM Presents:LUNACYShanghai BeachChains of DesireThe Dolphin Friday, August 16$12 Advance, $15 Door21+ LUNACY LUNACY, a dystopian shadow figure located in rural Pennsylvania – which is a character set in the empty corroded future that focuses on themes of loneliness, emptiness, and mental illness. A character that often fits the description of late 80’s and early 90’s post-apocalyptic films. The project rose to the surface in 2016 releasing a set of 4 track demo recordings and consistently released material every 6 months until the release of the debut album “Age Of Truth” on Third Coming Records in Winter 2019. All releases have always been based around art and design of a specific release and have always been released in limited colorways, always selling out quickly. The project often described as lo-fi, noise and ambient explores different elements of shoegaze, minimal synth & post punk while developing a sound unique and identifiable to the project. https://lunacy.bandcamp.com/ Shanghai BeachShanghai Beach is the dark minimal synthpop solo project of Brooklyn-based Steven Salazar. With influences running from obscure 80s minimal synth music and noir style films, Shanghai Beach creates a cinematic environment for your ears. He has been a staple in Brooklyn’s dark underground scene for the past several years and has toured extensively in the US. https://shanghaibeach.bandcamp.com/ Chains of DesireChains Of Desire is a Columbus, OH based solo project of Jonathan Thompson (Child of Night). The sound is an amalgam of synthpop and industrial that channels the sounds of decay.https://chainsofdesire.bandcamp.com/
Scorched Koser Bee Monsters
KOSER is an award winning fun and frisky five piece, with Thin Lizzy guitars and Amy Winehouse vocals. KOSER swims in the alt rock pool, diving deep into the galactic glitter grunge side. KOSER is known for their infectious stage presence, punchy hook writing, and impressive genre melting. If you’ve ever wondered what a two-headed sax man looks like, come to a KOSER gig and they’ll show you. Scorched Waves, is an indie rock sensation hailing from Stevens Point, WI. Self described as “Groove-Punk” The quintet has comparable sounds to the likes of Arctic Monkeys, The Killers, The Bravery, and The Kooks offering a unique blend of Indie/Alternative Rock, Post Punk, and Pop Punk. BEES! is an Arcade Rock band from Philadelphia. It’s not like they’re the bees; it’s more like you’re in a horror movie being chased by giant radioactive bees, screaming “BEES!” Inspired by The Presidents of the United States of America, Queens of the Stone Age, and the music from Super Mario World, a BEES! show feels like you’re back in a 90s arcade. Sacred Monsters bring forth a unique blend of raw emotion and unapologetic energy, crafting what they proudly dub as “sad girl rock.” Drawing inspiration from the grunge-infused sounds of Veruca Salt and the Breeders, while also tipping their hat to the infectious hooks of Weezer, Sacred Monsters carve out their own sonic niche in the Philly indie rock scene. ALL EVENTS AT DOLPHIN TAVERN ARE 21+
KulfiGirls
KulfiGirls are a Philly based band whose style is a cross-cultural tapestry marked by prominent use of the Saraswati veena. Front woman and veena player, Abi and Joan, the guitarist, fuse melancholic harmonies and aggressive distortions of various Western influences with Abi’s Carnatic roots. Underpinned by Adesola’s relentlessly in-your-face rhythms and the wide-spanning multi-talent Stephanie, the Kulfi Girls are one of Philadelphia’s most dynamic, evocative, and diverse new groups on the music scene. Their debut album “Divinity” from earlier this year combines classic rock elements with an experimental ensemble of instruments. https://www.kulfigirls.com/ Scuzzy-indie-glitter-rock from Brooklyn! Big Girl’s performances are surreal, heavy-hitting, and high-energy, with angular melodic guitar parts, ferocious vocals, and over-the-top onstage theatrics. The result is their own blend of biting punk mixed with intimate Mitski-like lyrical authenticity. It’s campy, it’s fun, and it feels like friendship. Liable to make you dance, cry, and maybe even quit your job. Instagram The Noisy is a dream pop/synth soft rock band based in Philly, originally formed in Knoxville, TN, where frontperson Sara Mae studied poetry. They released The Secret Ingredient is More Meat, their debut LP, spring 2024. For fans of Japanese Breakfast and Jay Som, with a touch of Chappell Roan. The Noisy is currently working on LP2, and is releasing a deluxe album, The Secret Ingredient is Even More Meat, with Audio Antihero in the fall of 2025. Instagram All events at Dolphin Tavern are 21+
K-Pop Night with DJ Chen
Join KPop Dance night with DJ Chen at Concourse Dance Bar – Center City’s adult playground! Concourse Dance Bar is the place to be yourself, feel the music, and have fun. Known for its positive vibes and eclectic, retro flair, our massive, two-story nightclub brings people together. Dance to a variety of ‘90s and ‘00s throwback tunes from our rotation of guest DJs. Or, step off the dance floor and into the ball pit, Ice Room or infinity room – it’s always an unforgettable experience here. Tucked away between Market St and JFK Boulevard, Concourse is Philly’s underground adult playground! Take advantage of all these quirky nooks and crannies all with the backdrop of your K-Pop favorites.
Lael Neale
Lael Neale splits her time between rural Virginia and Los Angeles. She loves walking, Emerson, fantasy fiction, espresso and not listening to music. She is an amateur gardener, painter and musician.Opening support: www.instagram.com/woodwosemusic/